From Luke 9:51 on, Jesus was purposefully going to Jerusalem. Like the gospel of John, Luke wanted it to be clear that Jesus was not a victim who stumbled unknowingly into hostile Jerusalem. Luke framed every event from 9:51 on in this light: Jesus was going to Jerusalem, where the cross awaited. Yet Satan was falling. This was a march to victory, not defeat.

• Jesus had a vital talk with the seventy-two after their mission ended. They were thrilled with their outward, visible success, but Jesus re-directed their thoughts. In verse 10:20, how did he turn their eyes to the true basis for Christian joy and confidence, regardless of outward appearances?
• Some people find 9:57-62 troubling. Was Jesus opposed to family love and loyalty? No. He used hyperbolic language to get people (including us) to check our priorities. Has loyalty to family, company, school or anything else ever tugged you in a different direction than your loyalty to God? If that ever happens in the future, which loyalty will you choose?